It combines a strand of standard plastic with a layer made from a “smart” material that can absorb water.

The water acts as an energy source for the material to expand once it is printed.

“The rigid material becomes a structure and the other layer is the force that can start bending and twisting it,” said Mr Tibbits. Such a process could in future be used to build furniture, bikes, cars and even buildings, he thinks.

Engineering software developer Autodesk, which collaborated on the project, is looking even further into the future. “Imagine a scenario where you go to Ikea and buy a chair, put it in your room and it self-assembles,” said Carlo Olguin, principal research scientist at the software firm.

The 4D printing concept draws inspiration from nature which already has the ability to self-replicate.

“The next stage for the research is to move from printing single strands to sheets and eventually whole structures.

I don’t know, folks, but I assembled my own IKEA bed and it was a fun challenge and I had no problems whatsoever. All you have to do is to follow the instructions very carefully, step-by-step and enjoy the process.

I don’t mean to denigrate the importance of this. It is a vital step in self-assembly, which is the ultimate form of fabrication. But calling it 4D is a gimmick. It is Time is always a function of any fabrication. Using the impugned reasoning would make normal printers 3D printers, which they are not.

That’s what I thought Amit….perhaps I need to look up more what exactly 4D means, but from my understanding, doesn’t it refer to things which are boundless? to space and, as you say, time? How could it then be 4D?

Always thought that metals that can remember or change shapes due to temperature changes or other triggers was cool and useful. This takes it to the next level. Can’t wait to see where/how they use this next. I would think it has some creative medical uses….